Circulating HBV RNA and Hepatitis B Core-Related Antigen Trajectories in Persons With HIV/HBV Coinfection and Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Loss During Tenofovir Therapy.

Background: We evaluated long-term trajectories of circulating hepatitis B virus (HBV) RNA and hepatitis B core-related antigen (HBcrAg) in persons with and without hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss during tenofovir therapy in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study.

Methods: We included 29 persons with HIV with HBsAg loss and 29 matched persons with HIV without HBsAg loss. We compared HBV RNA and HBcrAg decline and assessed the cumulative proportions with undetectable HBV RNA and HBcrAg levels during tenofovir therapy using Kaplan-Meier estimates.

Weight, Anthropometric and Metabolic Changes After Discontinuing Antiretroviral Therapy Containing Tenofovir Alafenamide in People With HIV.

Background: Antiretroviral therapy (ART)-related weight gain is of particular concern in people with HIV (PWH). Although weight gain was observed among PWH receiving tenofovir alafenamide (TAF), little is known about the potential reversibility after TAF discontinuation. We evaluated weight and metabolic changes 12 months after TAF discontinuation in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study.

Long-term trends in hepatitis C prevalence, treatment uptake and liver-related events in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study.

Background And Aims: Treatment for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections changed dramatically in the last decade. We assessed changes in the prevalence of replicating HCV infection, treatment uptake and liver-related morbidity and mortality in persons with HIV (PWH) and hepatitis C in the Swiss HIV cohort study.

Methods: We included all cohort participants between 2002 and 2021.

Long-term quantitative hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) trajectories in persons with and without HBsAg loss on tenofovir-containing antiretroviral therapy.

Objectives: Improving the understanding of the patterns of quantitative hepatitis B surface antigen (qHBsAg) trajectories associated with HBsAg loss is important in light of novel anti-hepatitis B virus agents being developed. We evaluated long-term qHBsAg trajectories in persons with HIV and HBV during tenofovir-containing antiretroviral therapy in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study.

Methods: We included 29 participants with and 29 without HBsAg loss, defined as qHBsAg <0.

Does the advertisement in Swiss pharmacy windows rest on evidence-based medicine? An observational study.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to analyse the proportion of evidence-based medication displayed in pharmacies and compare it between the different linguistic regions of the country, at different times of the year to determine the amount of proven effective medications indirectly recommended to the public in different parts of Switzerland.

Design: This is an observational study conducted by medical doctors in the department of internal medicine at the Spitalzentrum Biel, Switzerland.

Setting: The observation took place from July 2019 to May 2020.

Hepatitis delta infection among persons living with HIV in Europe.

Background And Aims: A high prevalence of hepatitis delta virus (HDV) infection, the most severe form of viral hepatitis, has been reported among persons living with HIV (PLWH) in Europe. We analysed data from a large HIV cohort collaboration to characterize HDV epidemiological trends across Europe, as well as its impact on clinical outcomes.

Methods: All PLWH with a positive hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study and EuroSIDA between 1988 and 2019 were tested for anti-HDV antibodies and, if positive, for HDV RNA.

The role of HIV/hepatitis B virus/hepatitis C virus RNA+ triple infection in end-stage liver disease and all-cause mortality in Europe.

Background: There are limited data on end-stage liver disease (ESLD) and mortality in people with HIV (PWH) coinfected with both hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV).

Methods: All PWH aged greater than 18 under follow-up in EuroSIDA positive for HBsAg (HBV), and/or HCVRNA+, were followed from baseline (latest of 1 January 2001, EuroSIDA recruitment, known HBV/HCV status) to ESLD, death, last visit, or 31 December 2020. Follow-up while HCVRNA- was excluded.

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Replication During Tenofovir Therapy Is Frequent in Human Immunodeficiency Virus/HBV Coinfection.

In the Swiss HIV Cohort Study, 61 of 222 (27%) HIV-suppressed persons with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection had HBV replication after 2 years on tenofovir, of whom 77% were suppressed thereafter. Self-reported adherence to therapy and HBV viral load at tenofovir initiation were predictors of persistent replication.

[Methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia].

Methicillin-susceptible staphylococcus aureus bacteremia is frequent and constantly increasing in Switzerland. It is associated with a high morbidity/mortality, despite antibiotic treatments. Through two clinical cases we discuss the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation and treatment of this "disease", for which the history and clinical examination remain central in order to guarantee an optimal management.

Long-term trends of alanine aminotransferase levels among persons living with human immunodeficiency virus/hepatitis B virus with and without hepatitis delta coinfection.

Background: Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) infection accelerates the progression of liver disease in persons living with HIV and hepatitis B virus (HBV) coinfection. We explored the association between HDV infection and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) elevation during tenofovir-containing antiretroviral treatment among persons living with HIV/HBV.

Materials And Methods: We included persons living with HIV/HBV with and without HDV starting tenofovir-containing antiretroviral therapy (ART) in three European cohorts with at least 18 months of follow-up.

Early Switch From Intravenous to Oral Antibiotics in Skin and Soft Tissue Infections: An Algorithm-Based Prospective Multicenter Pilot Trial.

Background: In hospitalized patients with skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs), intravenous (IV) empiric antibiotic treatment is initiated. The best time point for switching from IV to oral treatment is unknown. We used an algorithm-based decision tree for the switch from IV to oral antibiotics within 48 hours and aimed to investigate the treatment outcome of this concept.

Sustained Effect on Hepatitis C Elimination Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study: A Systematic Re-Screening for Hepatitis C RNA Two Years Following a Nation-Wide Elimination Program.

Background: The Swiss HCVree Trial (NCT02785666) was conducted in 2015-2017 with the goal of implementing a population-based systematic hepatitis C virus (HCV) micro-elimination program among men who have sex with men (MSM) with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) enrolled in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study (SHCS). The trial led to a 91% and 77% decline of HCV prevalence and incidence, respectively. The long-term effect of this HCV micro-elimination program is yet to be explored.

Major revision version 11.0 of the European AIDS Clinical Society Guidelines 2021.

Background: The European AIDS Clinical Society (EACS) Guidelines were revised in 2021 for the 17th time with updates on all aspects of HIV care.

Key Points Of The Guidelines Update: Version 11.0 of the Guidelines recommend six first-line treatment options for antiretroviral treatment (ART)-naïve adults: tenofovir-based backbone plus an unboosted integrase inhibitor or plus doravirine; abacavir/lamivudine plus dolutegravir; or dual therapy with lamivudine or emtricitabine plus dolutegravir.

Prevalence of liver cirrhosis in individuals with hepatitis B virus infection in sub-Saharan Africa: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background & Aims: Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection accounts for 30%-50% of cirrhosis related deaths in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Since HBV-related cirrhosis is an indication for immediate antiviral therapy and cancer surveillance, we aimed to estimate the prevalence of cirrhosis among treatment-naïve patients with chronic HBV infection in SSA.

Methods: We performed a systematic review of published articles which evaluated liver fibrosis stage among treatment-naïve HBV-infected individuals who presented to care in SSA.

Brief Report: Switching From TDF to TAF in HIV/HBV-Coinfected Individuals With Renal Dysfunction-A Prospective Cohort Study.

Background: Whereas tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) can lead to renal adverse events, tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) has a more favorable renal safety profile. However, the impact of replacing TDF with TAF on renal function and liver parameters among HIV/hepatitis B virus (HBV)-coinfected individuals with renal dysfunction remains unclear.

Methods: We included all participants from the Swiss HIV Cohort Study with an HIV/HBV coinfection who switched from TDF to TAF and had an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <90 mL/min/1.

2019 update of the European AIDS Clinical Society Guidelines for treatment of people living with HIV version 10.0.

Background: The European AIDS Clinical Society (EACS) Guidelines cover key aspects of HIV management with major updates every two years.

Guideline Highlights: The 2019 Guidelines were extended with a new section focusing on drug-drug interactions and other prescribing issues in people living with HIV (PLWH). The recommendations for treatment-naïve PLWH were updated with four preferred regimens favouring unboosted integrase inhibitors.

A Treatment-as-Prevention Trial to Eliminate Hepatitis C Among Men Who Have Sex With Men Living With Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study.

Background: In 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) introduced global targets for the elimination of hepatitis C virus (HCV) by 2030. We conducted a nationwide HCV micro-elimination program among men who have sex with men (MSM) living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from the Swiss HIV Cohort Study (SHCS) to test whether the WHO goals are achievable in this population.

Methods: During phase A (10/2015-06/2016), we performed a population-based and systematic screening for HCV-RNA among MSM from the SHCS.

Chemsex drugs on the rise: a longitudinal analysis of the Swiss HIV Cohort Study from 2007 to 2017.

Objectives: Chemsex refers to the use of sex-enhancing drugs among men who have sex with men (MSM) in combination with specific sexual and social behaviours. Longitudinal data on this development and the associated health risks are scarce.

Methods: Data on all recreational drugs reported in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study (SHCS) from 2007 to 2017 were collected.

[Measles: from a simple rash - to a fatal outcome ?].

Measles is a disease that was considered as relegated to medical history, since an extremely efficient vaccine had been developed. However, in Switzerland and elsewhere there has been an increasing number of epidemics in the past years, and the highest number of new cases this year. Based on two clinical cases showing very different outcomes, we discuss the disease, its clinic, complications, management, and the challenges remaining in obtaining a sufficient vaccination coverage worldwide as well as in our country.

[Recent advances in managing hepatitis D].

Discovered in 1977, Hepatitis D is the most severe form of chronic hepatitis, with rapid development of cirrhosis, hepatic failure and hepatocellular carcinoma. Despite all this, it is still largely underdiagnosed and there is no standardised management. The current treatment options are scarce and bear frequent side-effects, but the early diagnosis and an optimal follow-up with identification of the patients suitable for treatment improve significantly their survival rate and quality of life.

Virologic failure and HIV drug resistance on simplified, dolutegravir-based maintenance therapy: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Dolutegravir-containing maintenance therapy is a promising simplification strategy for virologically suppressed HIV-infected individuals. However, most of the available data to inform this strategy come from small, uncontrolled studies. We estimated the proportion of HIV-infected patients experiencing virological failure (VF) and developing drug resistance on dolutegravir (DTG)-based maintenance therapy.

Fatal Measles Virus Infection After Rituximab-Containing Chemotherapy in a Previously Vaccinated Patient.

We report the case of a young patient treated with rituximab-containing chemotherapy who was infected with measles despite previous vaccination. Treatment with vitamin A, ribavirin, and immunoglobulins was started; nevertheless he developed severe pneumonitis and deceased. Broad vaccination coverage is crucial in protecting vulnerable subjects.